Mudgee Travel Guide Part 1: Eating

Mudgee is a charming historic town located in the central west of New South Wales, and is around a 3.5 hours drive from Sydney. Well known for its gorgeous architecture, abundance of vineyards and emerging foodie scene, it’s the perfect destination for a weekend away.

I timed my visit perfectly with the arrival of the spring blossoms, and the entire town was flowering.

Where to Stay

Cobb & Court Boutique Motel – 97 Market Street, Mudgee

Located in one of the oldest known original hotel buildings still standing in Mudgee, The Cobb & Court boutique hotel is the perfect base for sightseeing. Located centrally on Market Street, nearly all of Mudgee’s great cafes, bars and restaurants are within walking distance.

The rooms are spacious and decorated with a nod to its original heritage foundations – think lots of wood, old-school gold fixings and plush furniture.

They also have their own restaurant, Wineglass Bar & Grill which is located in the quaint courtyard and serves up modern Australia fare.

Where to Eat

The Zin House – 329 Tinja Lane, Mudgee

The Zin House is set in the picturesque grounds of Lowe Wines, overlooking the Zinfandel vineyard. With a focus on local, seasonal produce, their menu changes weekly depending on what’s in season.

We opted for the Weekend Lunch which is $85 per person for six courses, and there is an optional $38 wine matched flight. It was an unforgettable long lunch with everything we tasted exceptional and the wines were paired perfectly with each course. I cannot wait to come back here and eat again!

Potato, rosemary and onion bread with house made herb butter, marinated alto olives, hazelnut and thyme dukkah and sweet and sour winter vegetables.

Three cheese ravioli wth garlic chilli mushrooms.

Clockwise from top left – Carlo’s wagyu prosciutto with fennel and radish slaw and pickled beetroot, roast pork belly with a white bean and pork sausage casserole, apple tarte tatin with honey ice cream and a green and orange salad.

High Valley and Jannei cheese selection with black sesame lavosh.

Pipeclay Pumphouse – Pipeclay Lane, Mudgee

Pipeclay Pumphouse is located on the grounds of Robert Stein Winery and features an innovative seasonal menu that changes dependant on what’s growing in the vegie patch out back!

I loved the layout of the restaurant – it’s both spacious and cozy. The tables are spaced out so as not to feel crowded, and a roaring fire with couches sits to one side if you want to unwind and relax after your meal.

Pipeclay Produce charcuterie platter of salami, pork rillette, duck liver parfait and pork terrine ($18)

Gnocchi with braised beef, bacon, eshallot and truffle poached egg ($18)

Wild mushroom tortellini with porcini mousse and feta ($18)

Dark chocolate delice with caramelised banana, honeycomb, mascarpone and salted caramel, Orange mille feuille with torched Italian meringue and caramelised mandarin segments and a Rose water brûlée with pistachio crumb and raspberries (All $15 each)

Market Street Café – 79 Market Street, Mudgee

Just a short stroll from our hotel, the Market Street Cafe menu features hearty breakfast options with a French influence. They use fresh produce sourced locally and their menu changes daily depending on what ingredients are available.

Fruit toast, buttered and sprinkled with cinnamon sugar ($7) and free range egg omelette with tomato, cheese and greens served with toast ($17).

Eggs Benedict made with local free range eggs, locally cured an smoked ham and house made hollandaise on sourdough ($18).

Eltons Eating + Drinking – 81 Market Street, Mudgee

Located in a heritage building built in 1896, which used to be a pharmarcy, Eltons has retained its retro vibe and has transformed itself into the place to be. Grab breakfast from there in the morning, pop in for a quick drink after work or sit down for dinner and enjoy their extensive menu.

Clockwise from top left – Crumbed manchego bites with quince sauce ($11), beer battered onion rings with bbq sauce ($8), beef and olive empanadas with jalapeno relish ($12) and Bourbon BBQ chicken wings ($13).

Clockwise from top left – Mushroom and bacon aracini balls ($12), Cheeseboard served with quince paste, local honeycomb and ciabata ($16 for 2 cheese choices) and Sticky date pudding and butterscotch sauce ($12).

High Cube Cafe – 83 Lions Drive Mudgee

Definitely one of the cooler cafes I’ve visited, High Cube Cafe was designed by architect Cameron Anderson and is made out of reused shipping containers. It serves up delicious coffee and seasonal breakfast foods.

Alby and Esthers – Unit 4-7, 61 Market Street, Mudgee

Nestled in a little alley way, Alby and Esthers is a tiny cafe and wine bar serving up uncomplicated but delicious coffee, food, and their famous breakfast jaffle! They also have a predominately local wine list and a small range of cocktails you can enjoy in the evening.

“Our Famous Jaffle” locally smoked ham, dunedoo egg + swiss cheese with relish ($10)

Wineglass Bar and Grill – 97 Market St, Mudgee

Located in the heritage building of The Cobb and Co Court, this restaurant is open from 5:30am for breakfast, lunch and dinner and features a huge selection of regional seasonal produce at its best, along with an extensive local wine list.

Lamb salad with roasted fennel ($18)

Chicken schnitzel open sandwich with our famous coleslaw & a wedge of lemon ($11)

Goodbye for now, Mudgee – I know I’ll be back soon! Stay tuned for my guide to drinking, day trips and shopping in Mudgee!